Relive the Epic Game 1 of NBA Finals 2021: Key Plays and Turning Points

2025-11-15 14:01

I still remember the tension in the air as I settled into my couch for Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns. Having followed both teams' journeys through the playoffs, I knew we were in for something special, but what unfolded exceeded even my most optimistic expectations. The way these two teams traded blows felt like watching a championship boxing match where neither fighter would yield. From my perspective as someone who's analyzed basketball for over a decade, this game perfectly demonstrated why the NBA Finals represent the pinnacle of basketball drama - every possession matters, every decision carries weight, and momentum can shift in the blink of an eye.

The opening quarter saw the Suns come out absolutely blazing, which honestly surprised me given the Bucks' defensive reputation. Devin Booker was simply unconscious, hitting contested jumper after contested jumper while Chris Paul orchestrated the offense with surgical precision. Phoenix built a commanding 32-26 lead by the end of the first quarter, shooting an incredible 57% from the field. What impressed me most was their ball movement - they recorded 9 assists on 12 made field goals, consistently finding the open man against Milwaukee's typically stout defense. The Bucks looked somewhat shell-shocked, and I remember texting my colleague that if they didn't adjust quickly, this could become a blowout. Giannis Antetokounmpo, playing in his first Finals game after that scary knee injury, seemed hesitant at times, passing out of double teams rather than attacking the rim with his characteristic ferocity.

Then came the second quarter, where the game's complexion completely changed. Milwaukee's bench unit, led by Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton, brought much-needed energy and physicality. They started dominating the glass, grabbing 6 offensive rebounds in the quarter alone that led to 8 second-chance points. What really stood out to me was Jrue Holiday's defensive intensity - he started picking up Chris Paul full court, disrupting Phoenix's offensive flow and forcing 5 turnovers in that period. The Bucks outscored the Suns 29-26 in the quarter, cutting the deficit to just 3 points heading into halftime. I've always believed that championship teams need to win these "grind it out" segments, and Milwaukee showed they could match Phoenix's execution when it mattered most.

The third quarter delivered what I consider the game's true turning point. With about 7 minutes left and Phoenix leading 68-65, Giannis decided to take over in a way that reminded everyone why he's a two-time MVP. He scored 12 points in a span of just 4 minutes, attacking the basket with relentless determination. What made this stretch so impressive was his efficiency - he went 5-for-6 from the field during this personal run, mostly on powerful drives through multiple defenders. The Bucks' defense also tightened considerably, holding Phoenix to just 20 points in the quarter while forcing them into difficult, contested shots. Milwaukee entered the fourth quarter with a 78-72 lead, and I remember thinking that the momentum had clearly shifted in their favor. Having watched countless playoff games over the years, I could sense Phoenix's frustration building as their clean looks stopped falling.

Now, the fourth quarter provided the dramatic finish that every basketball fan craves. Phoenix fought back valiantly, with Devin Booker scoring 10 of his 27 points in the final period. The game reached its climax with about 3 minutes remaining when Chris Paul hit a step-back three-pointer to tie the game at 95-95. The arena erupted, and I found myself standing in my living room, completely captivated by the back-and-forth action. What happened next perfectly illustrates why basketball can be so unpredictable - Jrue Holiday, who had struggled offensively all night, made what I consider the play of the game. With 1:30 remaining and the shot clock winding down, he drove baseline and finished through contact for an and-one opportunity that put Milwaukee up 98-95. That play seemed to deflate Phoenix, and Milwaukee never relinquished the lead again. From my perspective, Holiday's willingness to take that shot despite his shooting struggles demonstrates the mental toughness required to win championships.

Looking back, Milwaukee's 105-98 victory taught us several important lessons about playoff basketball. Their ability to win despite shooting only 32% from three-point range shows the importance of relying on multiple weapons. Giannis finished with 35 points and 13 rebounds, but it was the supporting cast - particularly Holiday's late-game heroics and Brook Lopez's rim protection - that made the difference. Phoenix, while impressive for stretches, ultimately couldn't match Milwaukee's physicality when it mattered most. They recorded 15 turnovers leading to 18 Milwaukee points, which proved decisive in a tight contest. If we apply the match points system from other sports, Milwaukee would have earned the maximum 3 points for this convincing 7-point victory, though basketball fortunately doesn't need such tiebreakers. What stays with me most about this game is how it set the tone for the entire series - both teams established their identities, and we saw glimpses of the adjustments that would define the coming games. Games like this remind me why I fell in love with basketball - the constant strategic chess match, the emotional rollercoaster, and the sheer brilliance of athletes performing at their absolute peak when everything is on the line.